Signaling device



Feb; 11, 1936. M Q ARMSTRONG 2,030,733

SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Feb. 20, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet l 11v VENTOR ,flrfim 67%17/527192 %zlsA TORIVE Y Feb. ill, 1936. I r M. c, ARMSTRONG v 2,030,733

SIGNALING EvIcE Filed Feb. 20, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 B Y v i'sA TTORNE Y Feb. 11, 1936. M. c. ARMSTRONG SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Feb. 20, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 v [N VENTOR zm afimzm {ISA TTORNQ Y Feb m mm.

M. .c. ARMSTRONG I fi fi SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Feb. 20, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 11v VENTOR %zlsA TTORNE Y Fehlfl, 19350 M. c. ARMSTRONG wsww SIGNALING i5 EvIcE Filed Feb. 20, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 11v VIYENATOR-Y Z2010 3373226502 *455/1 TTORNE Y Patented Feb. 11, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,030,733 SIGNALING pEvro Application February 20, 1931, Serial No. 517,177 28 Claims. (Cl. 177-7) The present invention relates to a sound producing signaling device, and more particularly to'oneof the siren type, the object being to provide an improved device of this class embodying a practical" and efficient siren of simplified construction designed to be operated at a relatively low cost.

A further object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of this class an improved arrangement of sound producing elements, one ofwhich is conditioned for cooperation with another 'by the creation of pressure built up by rotation of the latter and controlled by automatic means associated with said elements.

A'further object of the invention is to provide ina signal of the siren type improvements in the construction and arrangement of the sound pro ducin'g elements, together with improvedmeans for controlling the operation of the same wheref by to producea rapid succession of blasts in order "to' afford an effective and reliable device for quickly and accurately producing the desired signals.

further object of the invention is to provide animproved stator and rotor'constructio'n "in which the rotor is preferably motor' driven'and the statoris axially movable and shifted by suit able'means into position to cooperate with the rotor in producing the desired signals;

A'further object of the invention is to provide an improved" arrangement of associated stator and rotor elements in which the latter'is electrically driven and in which one of said elements is electrically shifted with respect tothe'other T from a normally inoperative to a cooperating signaling position.

further object of the invention is toprovide a compact unitary motor" operated signal of thesir'en type in which the air taken in by the rotor is utilized to both cool the motor and to Vary the position of the stator for the purpose of controlling the emission of the sound producing blasts of air discharged by the rotor in a manner to avoid ascending and descending notes in the sounding of the signal."

A further object of theinvention is to provide in 'a'siren of'the present type astator having a'pressure chamber in which a motor driven rotor operates to" build up pressure to effect movement of the stator axially of the motor shaft from a nonoperative to an operative position, and in which the stator is returned to normal inoperative position, as for example, by the action of gravity, upon reducing the speed of or stopping the motor, the motor also serving to operate valve means for controlling the passage of the air to the pressure chamber of the stator. A further object of the invention is to provide a siren enclosed in a protecting casing embodying an improved construction designed to both efficiently control the currents of air entering and leaving the same when operating therotor, arid toex'clude or prevent the entrance of foreign substances or materials which would tend to clog or otherwise interfere with the operation of the 10.

apparatus. To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvements and combinations 6f parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully dc;

scribed, the novel features being pointed outjin the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of a signaling device constructed in accordance with the inventidn and showing the pressure controlled stator in its normal lowered position;

Fig. 2 is a similar View with the stator shown elevated by the pressure produced by operation of the rotor and with the air valve moved to'open position;

Fig. 3is a sectional plan taken on line (afa -31 Fig 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan taken on line ic -Act OfFigJ:

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation drawn to an enlarged scale showing the construe tion of the air valve and power driven cam means for'lifting the same;

Fig. Sis a fragmentary sectional plan taken on line Bar-6a of Fi 5;

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of a modified form of siren;

Fig; 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken substantially at right angles to the sectionshown in Figilqand N 40 Fig. 9 is a sectional plan taken substantially on'line 9a'9aofFig. 8.

Similar reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

The present signaling device is one of the siren or sound producing type adapted for varioususes in the field of signaling as,'for example, in code signaling through the rapid production of sounds of relatively long and short duration and in such a manner as to be clearly distinguished at con siderable distances from the point of operation of the signal. The apparatus, for example, be used as a fire signal in different outlyingor suburban districts, relying for protection on the fire apparatus of a nearby city, or whenever and under whatever conditions a signal of this type may be advantageously employed.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive of the drawings, a base for supporting the apparatus is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 embodying a horizontally disposed plate It] having supporting legs ll provided with feet l2 arranged for attachment to a floor or to the roof of a building or other suitable supporting means by the useof bolts, not shown. The base carries an upstanding motor housing l3 provided with an inwardly extending flange l4 suitably connected with the base plate It] as shown; The housing is provided at its upper end with a horizontally disposed frame 15 between which and the base plate is disposed an electric motor I 6. The motor is provided at its lower end with supporting members i l detachably connected with the base plate, as by means of the bolts I8. The motor is provided adjacent its upper end with lugs l9 into which are threaded bolts 20 extending downwardly through boss like members 2! on the frame which are clamped upon the lugs by said bolts. The frame has a centrally disposed extension 22 bored to receive the upper cylindrical portion 23 of the motor and a bearing portion 24 through which the motor shaft 25 extends. The frame extension 22 is also arranged to receive a ball bearing unit 26 in which the extended portion of the motor shaft is journaled and by which it is more effectively maintained in proper alinement, said extended shaft portionbeing keyed within a hub 27o. depending from the upper wall of the motor driven fan or rotor 21 which is mounted within the stator 28, the hub being preferably arranged to a rest on the bearing unit 26 as shown. The fan or rotor is of the hollow type, having upper and lower horizontally disposed end walls 29 and 30 connected by a side Wall 3! having a series of vertically disposed ports 32 therein for the escape of the air drawn in through the opening 33 in the bottom wall 38 by the radially extending fan blades 34 upon rotation of the fan by the rotor. The air is sucked up by the fan through the side wall l3 of the motor housing, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 2, and serves to effectively cool the motor on its way upwardly through the housing from which it discharges through openings 35 in the frame l5 overlying the motor, the side wall of the housing having a plurality of sets of openings 36 suitably formed therein and protected by the outwardly and downwardly extending shield-like members 31 constituting louvers for preventing the entrance of foreign materials to the motor chamber. It will be noted that the bottom wall of the motor chamber is closed. and all of the air drawn in through the side wall since Where openings are provided in the bottom there is a greater tendency for the fan to suck up for-' eign substances such as paper, leaves andother materials.

The stator which is in the form of a cylindrical casing surrounds the rotor and is arranged to be moved axially of the latter from the normal lowered position shown in Fig. 1 to the raised position shown in Fig. 2. This is done by the pressure of air built up within the stator through operation of the motor to drive the fan or rotor which forces the air through the series of open ings 38 in its upper wall 29 as soon as said openings are uncovered by a valve element 39 arranged to be elevated from the normal position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 2 by means up pressure therein by employing the fan or rotor to force the air thereto, such an amount not being sufficient to prevent the stator from being raised by the pressure built up therein. Consequently the stator will be quickly elevated from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 2 when the air valve 39 is elevated upon starting the motor to drive the fan, the valve operating means being described hereinafter. The stator comprises a cylindrical body portion of a depth somewhat greater than twice that of the rotor, the body portion having a dome shaped closure 49, which is suitably secured thereto. The upper half of the body portion is preferably made imperforate while the lower half is provided with the vertically extending ports 32a through which the air is discharged by the rotor to produce the signal blasts when the stator is elevated to the position shown in Fig. 2 by the pressure of the air therein.

The means for controlling the passage of the air from the rotor to the upper half of the stator comprises a horizontally disposed valve plate or disk 39 having an annular or outer portion 4| arranged to normally close the air discharge ports 38 in the upper wall 29 of the stator as shown in Fig. 1. However, theouter valve portion, 4| is provided with a series of ports 42 adapted during operation of the fan after the motor is started to momentarily register with the ports 38 thereof to permit of the escape of the air into the upper half of the stator in advance of or during the lifting movement of the valve which takes place when the rotor has attained a given speed suflicient to overcome the tendency of the valve to lag, the valve being frictionally driven by means operated by the motor which preferably comprises cam means on the motor shaft. This means is in the form of a plurality ing in which the upper cam element 44 is freeto move vertically during operation of the signal.

The upper cam element 44 is rigidly secured upon a central offset portion 49 of the valve plate 39 by means of, screws 50 as best shown in Fig. 5. The fan or rotor is held clamped against displacement upon the motor shaft by a nut 5| thereon which is prevented from working loose by a locking element 52 of the spring washer type which engages a disk 53 resting upon the horizontally disposed wall of the cup-shaped member 46 as shown in Fig. 5. The ofiset portion 49 of the valve 39 which overlies both cam elements has an upstanding sleeve like portion 520; slidably positioned upon an extended portion'53a of the motor shaft which is threaded at its upper end to adjustably receive a bearing stop in the form of an inverted cup-shaped element 54 held by a nut 55 having a locking element 56 in the form of a spring washer. A ball bearing unit 51 normally rests upon the upper face of the offset portion 49 of the valve and is slidably received by the upstanding sleeve 52a. thereon, the bearing being moved up to engage the bottom portion of the inverted cup-shaped element 54, as shown in Fig. 2, when the valve is elevated by the motor driven cam means associated therewith under operating conditions described hereinafter. A spring 58 is interposed between the bearing and the stop 54, the latter being adjustable to regulate the tension of the spring whereby to vary the pressure exerted by it as may be required under different operating conditions.

The valve plate is also provided with a series of openings 38a. serving to both lighten the valve and to permit the air discharging through the ports 38 of the rotor to more freely pass into the compression chamber of the stator. The valve is shown provided with a series of vertically disposed plates or vanes 39a on its upper face which may be employed if it is found desirable to utilize the same in the control of the passage of the air to the stator. The bearing 51 and other parts superimposed upon the valve 39 are protected by a cover 59 having its lower end surrounding and suitably secured upon an annular portion 60 of the valve.

The stator is provided with a plurality of laterally extending yoke like members 6| each having a roller 62 arranged to travel upon the vertically disposed frame members 63 suitably connected with and supported by the horizontally disposed frame [5. The stator is also provided adjacent its lower end with a plurality of sets of laterally projecting lugs 64, each set having therebetween a roller 65 also arranged to travel on one of the vertical frame members 63 which form guides for the rollers. 53 are provided with upper and lower adjustable stops 66 and 61 respectively adapted for engagement by the yokes 6| whereby to regulate the extent of the up and down movement of the stator, the extreme positions of which are shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The lower ends of the vertically disposed roller guides 63 are detachably secured to the horizontally disposed frame I5 preferably by means of bolts 68. The upper ends of the guides are extended through the annular portion 69 of a horizontally disposed open frame having a central portion above the annular portion and connected therewith by a plurality of radially extending members ii. The upper ends of the roller guides are connected with and serve to support a detachable cover plate 12 for the casing 13 which encloses the rotor and stator as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The cover which forms a roof over the casing is spaced from the latter to permit of the circulation of air upwardly through the casing. The cover is detachably secured upon the upper extremities of the roller guides by means of screws 14 and to the central portion 10 of the horizontal frame by means of a screw 15. The lower end of the casing 13 is fitted within a groove formed in the upper peripheral portion of an annular support 16, the lower end of which is provided with an inwardly extending flange 11 resting upon and suitably connected with the lower frame member IS.

The annular supporting member 16 is providedwith an inwardly projecting and upwardly inclined baflle plate 18 terminating in proximity to the vertical side wall of the stator in all positions of the latter whereby to insure the passage of the sound producing blasts of air outwardly through the openings 19 of the casing rather than downwardly within the casing where they would The frame members be rendered ineffective by the inflowing currents of air drawn up by the rotor.- The openings 19.

in the side wall of the casing are made relatively small to prevent the passing of foreign matter to the interior of the casing, said openings being protected by suitable shields or louvers 80 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

In the operation of the signaling device shown in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, the motor circuit is periodically closed and opened by any form of control means suitable for the purpose such, for example, as a clock driven mechanism not shown, the periods between closing and opening being varied as previously determined upon in accordance with the code selected and under which the signals are produced. Assuming that the parts are in the normal position shown in Fig. l with the valve 39 in lowered position, then upon closing the motor circuit operation of the rotor will be-.

gin and, due to the tendency of the spring pressed valve to lag, the lower cam 43 will run ahead of the upper cam, thereby lifting the latter to elevate the valve to the position shown in V Fig. 2, in which position the bearing 51 will engage the stop member 54 before the upper cam is permitted to pass the high point of the lower cam. At this stage of the operation the valve will rotate at the same speed as the rotor and being in extreme open position will permit the latter to quickly build up sufficient pressure within the stator to effect elevation of the same to the position shown in Fig. 2 in which the sound blasts are produced by the expulsion of the air through the ports 32 in the side wall of the stator. As long, therefore, as the motor circuit is closed the parts will remain in the position shown in Fig. 2 and the fan which is drawing the air upwardly through the motor housing will maintain sufficient pressure in the stator to support it in elevated position while at the same time the discharge of air by the rotor through the ports 32a of the stator will produce sound blasts of even or uniform pitch regardless of whether or not the blasts are of relatively long or short duration. The air which is expelled by the rotor is prevented from passing downwardly within the casing 13 by the baffle plate 18 and is thus forced outwardly through the discharge ports 19 of the casing 13. cult is broken the speed of the rotor begins to diminish at which time the speed of the valve As soon, however, as the motor cirrun ahead of the rotor, the result being that the relative positions of the cam elements will be changed and a consequent lowering of the valve effected under the action of the spring 58 as the inclined faces of the upper cam element 44 ride downwardly upon those of the lower element 43 and permit the valve to return to normal closing position. When the speed of the rotor is de-v creased to-a certain minimum the pressure built up in the stator chamber will be reduced to an extent insuificient to support the stator in extreme elevated position and as soon as the valve 39 moves to closing position with respect to the ports 38 of the rotor the stator will quickly drop by its own weight. However, if the ports 38 are left open after the speed of the rotor has been re-' duced to said minimum a certain amount of pressure will still be maintained in the stator by the continued forcing of air therein sufiicient to interfere with the rapid descent of the stator to normal inoperative position, thus preventing the quick closing of the ports 32 in the rotor. thus prolonging the closing period of the ports 32,

there would be a gradual dying out of the sound blast causing a noticeable descent in the scale of the notes, a decided disadvantage'which the present siren is designed to overcome and which,

i as above stated, is avoided by the use of the valve ."rotor and the wall of the stator but this, of course,

will be 'insuficient to interfere with the rapid building up of the pressure within the stator by the rotor at the maximum speed of the latter when the valve is open.

It is evident therefore that the comparatively rapid descent of the stator upon relieving the pressure therein serves to quickly close the discharge ports 32 of the rotor whereby to avoid any appreciable variation in the pitch of the sound blasts regardless of whether they are of relatively long or short duration. It will be seen, therefore, that with the present apparatus the signals can be delivered in rapid succession and in clear and distinct tones free from any appreci able variation in the pitch of the notes so that they can be readily distinguished at comparative- 1y long distances from the point of operation of the signal. This is made possible by the relatively quick up and down movements of the stator, effected on the one hand by pressure built up therein by the rotor and on the other by the actionof gravity in lowering the stator to close the ports of the rotor. The sounding of the signals in this manner without causing the notes to'ascend or descend in scale is decidedly advantageous in code signaling where a rapid delivery 1 of the sound blasts and a clear distinction between the relatively long and short notes is highly important to a proper interpretation of the signals, this being true with respect to both arrangements shown in the drawings.

In the siren shown in Figs. 7 to 9 inclusive, the general arrangement is the same as that shown in the previously described figures except for the ranged for attachement to a floor or other supporting means. The motor 83 is superimposed upon the base plate 8| and has extending from its.

upper end suitably constructed arms 84 which serve'to support a detachable spider-like frame 95 having a central portion 89 in which is seated a sleeve-like bearing 8! on the motor in which is journaled the motor shaft 88, the motor shaft being keyed to the hub-like portion 39 of the rotor indicated generally at 99. The lower end of the hub engages a sleeve 9i on the motor shaft, which in turn rests upon the bearing 8'1, the

rotor being clamped in the position shown by a nut 92 on the upper end of the motor'shaft.

The stator is indicated generally at 93 and provided with a suitable number of air passages or ports 94 which, when the stator is elevated to a predetermined position, lie opposite the discharge ports 95 of the rotor or fan 99. With the stator in elevated position the rotary fan blades 96 serve to suck up the air and expel it through the 'ports 94 of the stator to produce the sound blast in the usual way. The air is first drawn through the louvers 91 of the motor casing 98 and serves to cool the motor. as it passes upwardly around the same to the rotorfor discharge through the ports of the stator. The stator has a-closure 99 for protecting the rotor, and for preventing the escape of air therefrom except through the passages 94 when'theyare in registry with the passages 95 of the rotor, the lower end of the stator normally resting upon the horizontally disposed annular portion I00 of the frame which carries a downwardly, extending fiange I 09a for receiving the upper end of the motor casing 98, to which the casing is attached by any suitable means, not shown. The lower end of the casing rests upon and is supported by an annular shoulder 8Ia on the base plate 8|. An upstanding annular baffle plate IOI is suitably secured between the lower portion I00 of the frame and the bottom of the rotor to prevent the downward discharge into the'motor casing of the blasts. of air delivered through the ports 94 of the stator by the rotor during operation of the latter. In other words, short circuiting or return of the air to the motor casing is prevented by the baflie plate and proper discharge through the louvers I92 of the housing I03 is thereby assured. The housing is provided with a closure I94 which is preferably of the stepped formation shown in Fig. 7 The housng is supported at its lower end by an annular or ringshaped member I having a downwardly extending part resting upon the peripheral wall.

portion I06 of the horizontal wall I90, the latter being shouldered to receive the offset lower edge of the ring, as shown in Fig. '7.

The stator is provided with three sets of upper and lower lugs IIi'i carrying suitable rollers I08 trally disposed plate or shelf-like member I I2, the

arms being rigidly connected with the rods by stud bolts I I3. The plate H2 forms a support for an electric-ally operated lifting unit suchfor example as a solenoid I I4 having a reduced portion II5 fitted within an opening formed in the plate, the solenoid being secured to the plate by screws or bolts H9. The upper end of the solenoid carries a projecting lug II! which engages the underside of and forms a support for the housing closure I94, as shown in Fig. 7. The

The links are connected by a pin 23 with a lifting bar I24 the opposite ends of which are pivotally connected at H25 with a pair of upstanding arms I26 at opposite sides of the stator. lower ends of the arms are secured by bolts I21 The.

' through the discharge ports .of the stator.

to horizontallydisposed lugs- I28 projecting latcrally from the wall of the stator and which may be cast integral therewith, or otherwise secured thereon. The solenoid with its core and the connections between it and the stator constitute the lifting means for the latter which is immediately raised to operating position upon closing the m0- tor circuit.

The wiring for the motor and solenoid circuits is illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. '7, in which the current supply lines I29 and I3!) are connected both with the motor circuit wires I3I and I32 and the solenoid connections I33 and I34, a switch I35 being employed to close the circuit when it is desired to operate the motor and solenoid, the latter serving to lift the stator so that the discharge ports 94 in the wall of the stator will lie opposite the outlet ports 95 of the rotor.

It will be noted that the frame 85 carried by the motor and motor casing forms a bearing for the sleeve-like portion 81 of the motor. The frame also supports the annular baifle plate IUI for preventing short circuiting or return to the motor casing of the air expelled by the rotor The frame further serves as a support for the stator guide means and solenoid carried by the latter, while it also forms supporting means for the casing I03, the upper end wall of which is preferably connected with the solenoid. These several parts form a compact and simple arrangement which can be easily assembled and which is practical and eificient in service and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The motor and all of the parts above the same, in each of the arrangements shown, are protected from rain, snow, dirt, and other foreign matter by the surrounding casings so that the operation of the driving and driven parts cannot be interfered with by adverse weather conditions or external means of any kind.

In the operation of the siren shown in Figs. 7 to 9 inclusive, the motor switch may either be manually operated or periodically closed and opened by any desired control means suitable for the purpose, such as a well known form of clock mechanism, not shown, the periods between closing and opening being varied as desired. When the motor circuit is closed to start the motor the current will pass through the solenoid to energize the same which will cause the core I I9 to be elevated for the purpose of raising the stator to bring it into cooperative signaling position with respect to the rotor. In this position of the stator the sound blasts are delivered by the rapidly moving blades of the rotor through the discharge ports 94 of the stator, the stator being held in elevated operating position by the core of the solenoid as long as the circuit remains closed. As soon, however, as the circuit is broken, the stator will descend by gravity to the normal inoperative position shown in Fig. '7, Where it, rests upon the horizontal portion I90 of the frame 85 carried by the motor.

I claim:

1. In a sound producing signal, the combination of a stator including side and end walls forming a chamber and a rotor operable within the stator and forming a partial closure for said chamber, guide means, said stator being movable upon the guide means axially of the rotor from a normal inoperative position to signaling position by pressure built up within said chamber through the delivery of air thereto by operation of the rotor and movable to normal position upon the guide means by the action of gravity, said rotor having one or more passages in its wall through whichair is delivered to the chamber, a motor for operating the rotor, valve means for controlling said air passages, and relatively movable cam elements responsive to operation of the rotor and adapted to open. the valve means upon operation of the motor.

2. In a sound producing signal, the combination of a stator including side and end walls forming a chamber and a rotor operable within the stator and forming a partial closure for said chamber, guide means, said stator being movable upon the guide means axially of the rotor from a normal inoperative position to a signaling position by pressure built up within said chamber through the delivery of air thereto by operation of the rotor, said rotor having one or more passages in its wall through which air is delivered to the chamber, a motor for operating the rotor, valve means for controlling said passages mounted upon the motor shaft for movement to and from closing position, and cooperating devices for operating the valve means upon initial operation of the rotor, one of said devices being fixed on the motor shaft and the other on the valve means.

3. In a sound producing signal, the combination of a stator including side and end walls forming a chamber and a rotor operable within. the stator and forming a partial closure for said chamber, guide means, said stator being movable upon the guide means axially of the rotor from a normal inoperative position to signaling position by pressure built up within said chamber through the delivery of air thereto by operation of the rotor, said rotor having one or more passages in its wall through which air is delivered to the chamber, a motor for operating the rotor having its shaft connected therewith, valve means for controlling said passages slidably and rotatably mounted on the motor shaft for movement to and from closing position, stop means on said shaft for limiting the sliding movement of the valve means in one direction, cooperating cam elements for sliding and rotating the valve means, one of which is fixed on and driven by the motor shaft and the other on the valve means, and spring means interposed between said stop means and said valve means for returning the latter to normal position upon discontinuing operation 0 the motor.

4. In a sound producing signal, the combination of a stator including side and end walls forming a chamber and a rotor operable within the stator and forming a partial closure for said chamber, guide means, said stator being movable upon the guide means axially of the rotor from a normally inoperative position to an operative signaling position by pressure built up within said chamber through delivery of air thereto by operation of the rotor, said rotor having one or more passages in its wall through which air is delivered to the chamber, a motor located atone side of the rotor and having its shaft operatively connected with the rotor, said shaft including a portion projecting from the side of the rotor opposite that nearest to the motor, valve means for controlling said passages rotatable and slidably mounted on said projecting shaft portion for movement to and from closing position, stop means on said shaft portion, a bearing element carried by said valve means arranged to be engaged by said stop means to limit axial movement of the valve means while permitting it to rotate upon said shaft portion, spring means interposed between the stop means and said bearing element for returning the valve means to normal position, and cooperating cam elements one of which is fixed upon the valve means for rotation therewith and the other flxedupon said projecting shaft portion, said cam elements operating upon rotation of the shaft to both rotate and 'move the valve means axially of the shaft.

5. A sound producing signal comprising a base, a motor on the base having a vertically extending shaft, a rotor fixed on theshaftagainst axial movement having end and side walls and radially extending blades, said end wall having air discharge passages and the side walls having air outlet ports therein, a stator movable axially of the rotor and comprising a dome-like portion forming an air pressure chamber surrounding the rotor and adapted to receive air under pressure discharging from the passages of the rotor whereby to effect axial movement of the stator to a predetermined operating position, through the pressure of the air in said chamber, said stator having an extension provided with air discharge ports adapted to register with the air outlet ports of the rotor when the stator is moved axially of the rotor to said predetermined operating position,'and upstanding guide means carried by the base for guiding thestator in its up and do movement.

6. A sound producing signal comprising a base, a'motor on the base having a vertically extending shaft, a rotor flxedon the shaft against axial movement having end and side walls and radially extending blades, the end wall having air'discharge passages therein and the side walls having air outlet ports, a stator movable axially of the rotor and comprising a dome-like portion forming an air pressure chamber surrounding the rotor and adapted to receive air under pressure discharging from the passages of the rotor whereby to effect axial movement of the stator to apredetermined operating position, through the, pressure of the air in said chamber, said stator having an extension provided with air discharge ports adapted to register with the air outlet ports of the rotor when the stator is moved axially of the rotor to said predetermined operating position, a plurality of track members extending upwardly in spaced relation to the stator, rollers interposed between the stator and the track members arranged to travel upon the lat- 'ter upon axial movement of the stator, and a casing surrounding the stator and having'outlet passages for the air discharged by the rotor. V

'7. A sound producing signal comprising a base, a motor on the base having a vertically extending shaft, a rotor fixed on the shaft against axial .movement having end and side walls and radially extending blades, said end wall having air discharge passages therein and the side walls having air outlet ports, a stator movableaxially of the rotor and comprising a dome-like portion forming an air pressure chamber surrounding the rotor and adapted to receive air under pressure.

discharging from the passages of the rotor whereby to effect axial movement of the stator to a predetermined operating position through the pressure of the air in said chamber, the stator having an extension provided with air outlet ports adapted to register with the air outlet ports of the rotor when the stator is moved axially to said predetermined operating position, a frame connected with the motor and having a bearing in which; the motor shaft is journaled, and a eas ing surrounding the stator and supported by said 7 to a predetermined operating position through i the pressure of air in said chamber, the stator having an extension provided with air outlet ports adapted to register with the air outlet'ports of the rotor when the stator is moved axially to said predetermined operating position, a frame overlying the, motor and connected therewith,

track members extending upwardly from the frame and forming means for guiding the stator in its up and down movements, and a casing surrounding the stator and rotor and having outlet passages for the air discharged by the rotor through the outlet ports of the stator.

9. In signaling apparatus, the combination of relatively movable rotor and stator elements, one

of said elements having Walls forming a fluid pressurechamber and the rotor element having a fluid discharge passage and operating when rotated to deliver fluid through said passage'to V said chamber under pressure sufficient to move one of the elements froma non-operating to a signaling position relative 'to the other, guide means forthe movable element, driving means for the rotor element, and valve means associated with the rotor element for controlling said passage and automatically moving to open position upon operation of the rotor.

10. In signaling apparatus, the combination 0 a rotor having an outlet passage, a stator surrounding the rotor and movable axially thereof,

the stator having walls forming a fluid pressure chamber for receiving the fluid discharged by the rotor through said outlet passagewhereby pressure is built up in-said chamber'to effect axial movement of the stator from non-operating to signaling position relative to the rotor, means for guiding the stator when moving to and from signaling position, and means for driving the r0,- tor.

a rotor having a fluid outlet passage, a stator having walls forming a fluid pressure chamber 11.' In signaling apparatus, the 'combination'of 55' for receiving the fluid dischargediby the. rotor through said outlet passage whereby pressureis upon operation of the latter, and driving means for the rotor.

' 12. In signaling apparatus, the combination of a rotor and a stator having walls forming a chamber, the rotor having a fluid outlet passage and being mounted within the stator and the latter being movable in' a vertical direction axially of the rotor, the rotor operating to deliver air through said outlet passage to said chamber under pressure to move the stator from nonoperating to cooperative signaling position relative to the rotor, said stator being returned to nonoperating position by the action of gravity, "means for guiding the stator in its movement axially of the rotor, and driving means for the rotor.

13. In signaling apparatus, the combination of rotor and stator elements, said rotor element having a fiuid outlet passage and said stator element having walls forming a chamber, one of said elements being movable from normally inoperative to cooperative signaling position relative to'another by fluid pressure built up within the chamber of the stator element by the discharge thereto of fluid through the outlet passage of the rotor element upon operation of the latter, guide means for said movable element, driving means for the rotor element, valve means adapted to control said outlet passage to establish communication between said elements, and

means responsive to the operation of the driving -m'eans for operating said valve means upon operation of the rotor element.

14. In signaling apparatus, the combination of a base, a motor mounted upon the base and having a vertically extending drive shaft, a rotor on said drive shaft having an air outlet passage, upstanding guide members upon the base,

ment upon said guide means and having walls forming an air pressure chamberin its upper end and provided adjacent its lower end with air discharge ports in its side wall, a rotor within the stator having air outlet ports in its side wall adapted when the stator is raised from a normally inoperative position to a predetermined elevated position to register with said discharge ports during operation of the rotor, said rotor having one or more air passages in its wall through which it is adapted to discharge air to said chamber to build up pressure therein suflicient to raise the stator to said predetermined position, the stator when the pressure is relieved within said chamber being returned to normal position by the action of gravity, driving'means' for the rotor,and valve means responsive to the operation of the driving means adapted to open said passages upon operation of the rotor.

16. In signaling apparatus, the combination of a stator element having a pressure chamber therein formed by the walls thereof, a rotor element having a passage for the discharge of air to said chamber to build up pressure therein whereby to shift one of said elements from a normally inoperative to an operative signaling position with respect to the other, guide means for said shiftable element, valve means mounted upon the rotor element responsive to operation thereof and adapted to open said passage, and driving means for the rotor element. v

17. In signaling apparatus, the combination of a stator having walls forming an air receiving chamber and a rotor within the stator having a discharge port for admitting air to said chamber to build up pressure therein upon operation of the rotor whereby to shift said stator from a notmally inoperative to an operative signaling posi- 1- adapted to establish communication between said:

elements for the passage of air from the rotor element to said chamber under pressure produced by operation of the rotor element, said valve means having a combined rotary and axial movement relative to said rotor element, means 1 actuated by the rotor element for effecting said movements, and driving means for said rotorelement.

19. In a sound producing signal, the combination of a base, and a motor on the base having a vertically disposed shaft, a rotor fixed on the shaft for operation thereby and having an outlet passage, a. stator enclosing the rotor and movable axially thereof, the stator walls forming a pressure chamber to which the rotor operates to der liver air under pressure through said passage to move the stator from a normally lowered inoperative position to an elevated signaling position with respect to the rotor, a frame carried by the base, upstanding guides on the frame, and rollers:

on the stator adapted to travel on the guides upon elevation of the stator.

20. Ina sound producing signal, the combination of a stator having walls forming an air pressure chamber, guide means for the stator,

a rotor,-means for supporting the rotor for operation within the stator, the rotor having an air discharge passage adapted to communicate with said chamber in which pressure is built up by operation ofthe rotor to move the stator on the guide means from a normally inoperative position to an'operative signaling position relative to the rotor, and a housing enclosing the stator and rotor and forming a chamber adapted to receive a motor for driving the rotor, the housing having inlet openings for admitting air to the motor chamber for passage therethrough to the rotor,

and having separate openings for the discharge of the air expelled by the rotor.

21. In a sound producing signal, the combination ofastator having walls forming an air pressure chamber, guide means for the stator, a

rotor, means for supporting the rotor for operation within the stator, the rotor having an air discharge passage adapted to communicate with said chamber in which pressure is built up by operation of the rotor to move the stator on the guide means from a normally inoperative position to an operative signaling position relative to the rotor, a housing enclosing the stator, and means dividing the housing into separate chambers one adaptedto receive air for passage to the rotor, and the other receiving the air expelled by the rotor and having an opening for discharging the expelled air therefrom.

22. In a sound producing signal, the combination of a stator element having walls forming a receptacle, a rotor element, one of said elements having an air passage for establishing communication with the other, means for supporting one of said elements for movement relative to another, said rotor element when operated discharging air through said passage to said receptacle under pressure sufficient to move one of said elements on the supporting means from normal inoperative position to signaling position relative to the other element, valve means normally closing said passage and having a combined rotary and axial movement relative to the axis of the rotor element when moving to open position, means operated by the rotor element upon initial movement thereof for opening said valve means, said rotor and stator elements having ports for the passage of air from the rotor element during operation thereof to sound the signal when said elements are in signaling position one relative to another, and driving means for said rotor element.

23. In a sound producing signal, the combination of guide means, a receptacle movable on the guide means, a rotor operable within the receptacle and having a passage through which to de sliver air to the receptacle under pressure sufii- .normally closing said passage, means operated by the rotor upon initial operation thereof for moving the valve means to open said passage, said receptacle having outlet passages through which air is discharged by the rotor to sound the signal when the receptacle is at said operating position.

24. In a sound producing signal, the combination of guide means, a receptacle movable on the guide means, a rotor operable within the receptacle and having a passage through which to deliver air to the receptacle under pressure suflicient to move the receptacle on the guide means from normal inoperative position to a predetermined operating position upon operation of the rotor, a motor having a shaft for operating the rotor, valve means normally closing saidpassage and movable upon operation axially of and guided by the motor shaft, and means on the motor shaft serving upon operation of the motor to open said valve means, said receptacle having outlet passages through which air is discharged by the roon the supporting means from normal inoperative position to signaling position relative to the other element, valve means normally closing said passage, 'means operated by the rotor element upon initial movement thereof for opening said valve means, said stator element having ports for the passage of air from the rotor element during operation thereof to sound the signal when said elements are in signaling position one relative to another, and driving means for said rotor element.

26. In signaling apparatus, the combination of sound producing elements having parts'for cooperation to sound a signal when one 01' said elements is moved from a normal inoperative position to signaling position relative to another, one

27. In signaling apparatus, the combination of sound producing'elements having parts for cooperation to sound a signal when one oi. thelelements is moved from a normal inoperative position to signaling position relative to another, one of the elements having walls forming a chamber for the reception of fluid under pressure and another'associated therewith comprising a rotary fluid impelling element having a discharge passage for delivering fluid under pressure'to said.

chamber, and driving means for the rotary element.

28. In signaling apparatus, the combination of rotor andstator elements, means for supporting said elements for movement one relative to an other from a normal inoperative position to cooperative signaling position, said stator element having Walls'forming a fluid pressure chamber,

meansfor establishing communication between said chamber and the rotor element upon operation of the latter'whereby the rotor element will serve to discharge fluid to said chamber under pressure suflicient to effect movement of one of i said elements to cooperative signaling position relative to the other. i MERTON C. ARMSTRONG. 

